Guwahati pitch details leaked after India’s disastrous show at Eden Gardens vs South Africa

India will take on South Africa in the second and final Test of the ongoing series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting on Saturday, November 22. The curator is preparing a red-soil pitch, which could provide bounce and good carry, for the upcoming match between India and South Africa.

The pitch in Kolkata deteriorated earlier than expected. The unpredictable bounce made batting extremely difficult for both teams. Chasing 124 runs, the home team suffered a dramatic collapse and was bowled out for just 93 runs in the fourth innings. The hosts are currently trailing 0-1 in the two-match series.

Guwahati Pitch Expected To Provide Sharp Bounce and Plenty of Turn

According to the Times of India, the pitch in Guwahati is expected to offer significant turn along with sharp bounce. The Barsapara surface, made of red soil, should provide better carry for bowlers compared to Kolkata’s pitch, which came under heavy criticism.

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Notably, the team management is confident that the track will suit their plans. The pitch preparation is being overseen by BCCI head curator Ashish Bhowmick, and expectations are that it will be challenging but not unpredictable.

This match will also be the first-ever Test at the Barsapara Stadium. The BCCI is keen to avoid the venue gaining a negative reputation, especially after the Eden Gardens pitch was labeled too extreme.

India’s Pitch Requirements Communicated Before the Season Began

A BCCI official said that the Guwahati surface is naturally suited to generating extra pace and bounce. The Indian team had requested specific conditions for the home season. The curators are working carefully to avoid unpredictable or uneven bounce while preparing the pitch.

“The pitch here is made of red soil which has the tendency to offer more pace and bounce. The Indian team had made their demands clear before the home season. So, if the pitch offers turn, it will turn at pace and bounce. The curators are trying to ensure there is no substantial variable bounce,” a BCCI source told TOI.

The Kolkata surface came under criticism as the match finished inside three days. Despite the backlash, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir insisted that the pitch performed exactly as the team had requested.

India’s Struggles on Spin Tracks Spark Debate Over Home Strategy

India’s batting problems on spin-friendly pitches have become visible. With the struggles against spin bowling, depending on extreme turners has turned into a gamble rather than a reliable strategy.

India once relied heavily on rank turners because Jadeja and Ashwin could outclass visiting teams with ease. While the bowling remains strong, the current batting group has not shown the same ability to post competitive totals on such pitches.

On more balanced Test wickets, where batting remains stable for the first few days and naturally begins to aid spinners later, India will have a far better chance of making big runs. Their fast bowlers are now capable of dictating terms even on good surfaces.

Also read: Harmanpreet Kaur shamed by Bangladesh captain in trying to defend